Ben Oluoch Okello made a name for himself as a radio journalist. During his time in the media, he interviewed political heavyweights, including ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Using this huge media following as a springboard to Parliament, Okello was elected as Migori senator in 2017 to succeed Dr Wilfred Machage.
Riding on ODM party popularity and his own brand, Okello, the former Ramogi FM journalist was easily elected as Migori Senator. But his political career would end prematurely just when it had taken off.
For the better part of his time as a legislator, Okello would spend much of his time in and out of hospital where he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
But eight months into his time as a legislator, the eloquent Senator succumbed to cancer at the age of 53 years.
For the man who appeared to have a very promising political career, his constituents would never live to see his full potential as a legislator. The man that many Migori residents had entrusted with the oversight role of the county, would never live to execute his functions in the Senate.
Okello was mourned by many as a man who had used his voice as a radio journalist to educate the locals. But when time for him to serve in a much senior office came, he left when many still needed him most.
The former Senator was buried in July 2018 in a funeral where emotions ran very high. His final send-off was also attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and other ODM party heavyweights including then then Siaya senator James Orengo and Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka.
By Newscreator